Jubilee Pilgrims Farewell Mass
Farewell Mass for Jubilee Pilgrims in Pretoria
“This pilgrimage is not a tour—it is a transformative encounter with God and with the universal Church,” says Bishop Selemela during send-off Mass in Pretoria
By Kati Dijane- The Sacred Heart Cathedral in the heart of Pretoria’s CBD was filled with joy and heartfelt prayers on Thursday, July 24, as the Archdiocese of Pretoria gathered for a special send-off Mass for young pilgrims bound for Rome. The pilgrimage, part of the Jubilee of the Youth celebration in Rome from 28 July to 3 August 2025, marks a significant spiritual journey for young people across the world, including South Africa.
Presiding over the Mass was Archbishop Dabula Mpako, with Auxiliary Bishop Masilo Selemela as the homilist and several priests from the archdiocese concelebrating. The cathedral was filled with pilgrims, their parents, friends and parishioners who came in numbers to bid them farewell.
The Archdiocese of Pretoria will be joined on this journey by pilgrims from the Diocese of Kimberley, the Archdiocese of Bloemfontein, and the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.
A journey beyond borders
Bishop Selemela, delivering a homily, reminded the young pilgrims of the depth and purpose of their journey.
“According to statistics from the Vatican,” he said, “half a million young people from 146 countries will be gathering in Rome for the Jubilee of the Youth. You are proudly part of this global family. This pilgrimage is not a tour—it is a sacred journey, a transformative encounter with God and with the universal Church.”
He explained that pilgrimages in the early Church were often made to the tombs of martyrs, a tradition rooted in reconnecting with the living faith built on sacrifice. As the youth prepares to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, Bishop Selemela encouraged them to open themselves to renewal and deepen their faith.
“You might be journeying to Rome,” he continued, “but your true destination is the heavenly Jerusalem. That is the ultimate pilgrimage—a lifelong walk toward communion with the Holy Trinity.”
Drawing inspiration from St Augustine, Selemela reminded the congregation that some people seek happiness in this world alone, while pilgrims know true joy lies in the eternal.
“Our imperfect world, filled with suffering and division, is not our final home. We are a people of hope. As St Paul said, our struggles are temporary. God’s promises endure, and He is no heartbreaker.”
Anchored in hope and faith
Selemela’s homily highlighted the power of love poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, a love that reconciles and restores.
“Through Christ, we are redeemed and brought back into communion with our Creator. This pilgrimage is your invitation to live out that communion.”
He encouraged the youth to persevere through life’s challenges, drawing strength from Scripture and anchoring their hope in the eternal reward that awaits the faithful.
“In a world obsessed with visible success and material gain, your journey as a pilgrim reminds us all to seek what truly lasts—a living, unshakeable faith.”
He also shared a moment from history:
“During the US Civil War, Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Let us pray not that God is on our side, but that we are on God’s side.’ This pilgrimage is not about asking God to bless our plans;it’s about asking Him to transform us to live according to His.”
Archbishop Mpako’s message: “The pilgrimage is about God”
In his closing message, Archbishop DabulaMpako shared joy at the young people being able to organise this pilgrimage. He also echoed Bishop Selemela’s words, reiterating that the pilgrimage is not just about travel and tourism, but about a transformative spiritual experience that will deepen their relationship with God.
United in spirit, sent with Love
Before the end of Mass, the pilgrims were formally blessed and commissioned. They were also given rosaries and encouraged to pray. Father Mahlako Motanyane, the national youth chaplain of the SACBC Youth and Young Adults Ministry, also shared a few words of encouragement to the youth while unveiling the South African and Archdiocesan flags that will be displayed in Rome.
